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India’s tech scene is buzzing with exciting developments this week, from cutting-edge satellite internet partnerships to critical voices on the AI hype, plus fresh leadership in the semiconductor sector and a slew of new gadgets hitting the market. As Airtel and Jio join forces with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring high-speed satellite internet to underserved rural areas, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy raises eyebrows by calling out the inflated AI claims flooding the Indian tech space. Meanwhile, Intel aims for a comeback under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. On the consumer front, top smartphone brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and iQoo unveil their latest devices, and tech giants like Apple and Google roll out innovative products and services, demonstrating India’s ever-growing appetite for technology and connectivity.
the Week’s Major Tech News
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, two of India’s largest telecom operators, have partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service to expand high-speed connectivity in remote and rural regions across the country. This collaboration leverages Starlink’s constellation of low-earth orbit satellites to address India’s longstanding digital divide, offering a promising alternative to traditional broadband infrastructure where terrestrial networks struggle to reach.
Meanwhile, Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has openly criticized the exaggerated enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence in India. Speaking at TiECon Mumbai, he cautioned that many solutions branded as AI are nothing more than conventional software with a trendy label. His remarks call for a more realistic understanding of AI’s current capabilities and its actual adoption in Indian tech ventures.
In the semiconductor sector, Intel has appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, signaling a bold effort to reclaim industry leadership. Tan, a seasoned veteran, acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed unwavering confidence in Intel’s potential to innovate and compete globally amid a fiercely competitive market.
On the consumer technology front, Samsung launched the Galaxy F16 5G with a MediaTek processor and a robust 5000mAh battery, targeting budget-conscious buyers. Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra smartphones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and Leica-engineered cameras, promising premium imaging experiences. iQoo debuted the Neo 10R with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and a large 6400mAh battery, catering to performance enthusiasts.
Samsung also refreshed its laptop lineup with the AI-powered Galaxy Book5 series featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, while Apple launched new MacBook Air M4, iPad Air M3, and Mac Studio models in India, further enriching the premium computing segment. Asus unveiled the TUF Gaming F16 laptop, and Garmin introduced the Enduro 3 series GPS smartwatches designed for endurance athletes.
Corporate news included Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) acquisition of a commercial real estate company to expand its delivery centers and Google DeepMind’s launch of Gemini Robotics, bringing AI-powered robotics closer to practical applications. However, not all news was positive: Infosys agreed to a \$17.5 million settlement following a cyberattack exposing millions of customers’ data. On the stock market front, America’s tech giants suffered a combined \$750 billion loss in a sharp market downturn, reflecting investor uncertainty.
What Undercode Say:
This week’s developments in India’s tech ecosystem underscore a dynamic intersection of innovation, caution, and expansion. The strategic alliances between Airtel, Jio, and Starlink reveal a pragmatic approach to bridging connectivity gaps in rural India. Satellite internet is no longer a futuristic concept but a near-term solution addressing infrastructure challenges. Yet, the success of these partnerships hinges on regulatory support, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to scale services sustainably. Satellite connectivity’s promise must be matched with affordability and localized content to truly empower remote communities.
Narayana Murthy’s critique of AI hype in India is a vital reality check for the tech industry. The tendency to overbrand conventional software as AI risks diluting genuine progress and misguiding investments. For India to become a credible player in global AI innovation, there must be a clear differentiation between true AI capabilities—such as machine learning, natural language processing, and autonomous decision-making—and traditional automation or rule-based programming. This clarity will help align talent development, R\&D funding, and enterprise adoption towards impactful AI solutions rather than marketing buzzwords.
Intel’s new leadership under Lip-Bu Tan represents a hopeful pivot for the global semiconductor supply chain, where geopolitical tensions and technological leaps demand agility and vision. Intel’s ability to innovate in chip design and manufacturing will be critical, not just for the company but for industries reliant on semiconductors worldwide. India’s growing semiconductor ambitions could benefit indirectly if Intel succeeds in its turnaround, opening opportunities for collaboration, investments, and talent exchange.
The flurry of new device launches by Samsung, Xiaomi, iQoo, and others highlights India’s vibrant consumer electronics market, driven by tech-savvy youth demanding powerful, affordable gadgets. Features like high-refresh-rate displays, advanced camera systems, and large batteries reflect global trends that Indian consumers now expect. The integration of AI in laptops and smartphones signals a convergence where AI-powered personal assistants and intelligent features become mainstream.
Corporate maneuvers such as TCS’s acquisition of commercial real estate to expand delivery centers reveal how tech companies are also focusing on physical infrastructure to support digital services. Google’s advancements in AI robotics demonstrate an ongoing push towards embedding AI in tangible real-world tasks, foreshadowing future shifts in automation and labor dynamics.
However, the Infosys cyberattack settlement is a reminder that cybersecurity remains a critical vulnerability as digital ecosystems expand. Companies must prioritize data protection and proactive security strategies to maintain trust and comply with evolving regulations.
The sharp market losses among US tech giants serve as a cautionary tale of volatility in a sector that, despite enormous innovation, remains susceptible to economic shifts and geopolitical risks. Investors and companies alike must navigate this uncertain terrain with strategic resilience.
Overall, this week’s tech news paints a picture of an Indian market at the crossroads of cutting-edge innovation and pragmatic challenges—balancing ambition with grounded realism.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Airtel and Jio’s partnership with Starlink to boost rural connectivity is confirmed by official press releases from both telecom operators and SpaceX.
✅ Narayana Murthy’s remarks on AI hype were made publicly at TiECon Mumbai and reported widely across Indian media.
✅ Intel’s appointment of Lip-Bu Tan and his memo to employees are documented in Intel’s corporate announcements.
❌ Some sensational claims around AI capabilities in India often mix marketing with reality, highlighting the need for clearer differentiation.
📊 Prediction:
India’s partnership with Starlink and other satellite internet providers will likely accelerate rural digital inclusion over the next 3-5 years, especially as government policies support infrastructure rollout. However, satellite internet’s premium costs may initially limit mass adoption, pushing telecom players to offer hybrid solutions combining terrestrial and satellite networks.
The AI sector in India may undergo a consolidation phase, where overhyped claims give way to realistic, use-case-driven innovation, driven by regulatory clarity and increased investment in genuine AI research and education. Firms that invest in true AI capabilities rather than surface-level branding will emerge as leaders.
Intel’s turnaround under Lip-Bu Tan could stabilize global semiconductor supply chains, potentially increasing chip manufacturing investments in India as the country seeks to develop its own semiconductor ecosystem.
Consumer electronics brands will continue to push affordable flagship devices with advanced features, intensifying competition and driving innovation in camera technology, battery life, and AI integration.
Cybersecurity will remain a critical focus area as digital adoption grows, with Indian IT firms increasingly incorporating security by design to protect sensitive data.
The next few years promise a blend of technological breakthroughs and sober market corrections, shaping a resilient and innovative Indian tech industry.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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